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HEADQUARTERS 1ST (UNITED KINGDOM) DIVISION
Since my arrival to the 1st (UK) Division Headquarters in April 2023, there has been significant changes
to the operational structures, which have seen the role and purpose of the Division change to become a more lethal warfighting capability for the British Army.
During that time, we said farewell to Major (MAA) Billy Young and Captain (MAA) Geoff Chapman who were both at the helm driving the SO2 and SO3 Army Reserve (AR) roles within the PD Branch. We wish Billy and Geoff the best of luck as they embark on new chapters in their lives – thank you for your time here with Team Rhino. Supporting the Division through the workforce changes is Warrant Officer Class One (SMI) Mike Arnell. An absolute constant, Mike is the glue that keeps the
Maj (MAA) S Chappell RAPTC
Headquarters PD Branch on the right track and has supported me throughout this turbulent time of pace-change for the Division. Additionally, with the SMI rebalance across the Formations, we say hello to WO1 (SMI) Paul Percival who has taken on the SMI South Forward role for the Division – more to follow next year as this concept plays out.
Future Soldier Amendment, announced in July 2023, looked to change the structures of the Field Army and realign various Brigades to create a leaner Division. As of May 2024, the Field Army Organisation Structure sees 1st (UK) Division offer the British Army and NATO, a light and rapidly deployable force. Workforce structures sit at around ~30,000 troops, operating within the 8 Brigades under the command
of the GOC, Major General Dan Reeves MC. The addition of 16 Air Assault Brigade Combat Team completed the Future Soldier Amendment changes, which has led to the change of role and purpose:
Maj (MAA) S Chappell Deployed on Ex STEADFAST JUPITER 2023
Allied Land Command visit HQ 1st (UK) Division during CREVAL
1St (United Kingdom) Division
The UK’s light and airborne warfighting division
Rapidly deployable and optimised for complex terrain, our purpose is to fight and win battles on land
From 1 Jul 24, the 1st (UK) Division stands as NATOs Allied Reaction Force (ARF), as